When You Love Someone

Chapter 3 ❤️

SpongeBob: Oh, I've got a whole new attitude.
A lifetime subscription to gratitude.
Friend, you've got to change your latitude.
Live an attitude of gratitude.
I'm grateful for the life I am living,
Who knows how long I will have it?
I'm thankful for all I've been given.
We make appreciation a habit.
There's no time like the present day
To have a present come your way.
Trash can creatures: All you have to do is grab it.
SpongeBob: So now I think that you will see
Trash can creatures: You'll see.
SpongeBob: There's nothing more you need.
My friend, this ain't no platitude,
Trash can creatures: Platitude.
SpongeBob: Just an attitude of gratitude!
Trash can creatures: Gratitude.
SpongeBob: Or in your case, Squidward, an attitude of "hat-titude!" Hahahaha!

"Gratitude" by SpongeBob Squarepants

Nneoma's POV

I sing along to my favorite cartoon as I watch my mom prepare to take me to hospital for my chemo session. My dad usually goes with us but he's out of town for a business meeting so it's just my moms and I .The doctor said to do what I love , so here am I listening to a kids' program on tv like I was 2 years old. Cartoons make me happy simple. Wink! Plus they are a big distraction from my thoughts. I'm dreading visiting the hospital. Chemotherapy hurts a lot . It honestly does. I don't know how much of the pain I can take. Just the mere thought of it makes me sob. I quickly wipe my eyes before my mom walks in on me and we begin a crying session. It's seems to be our new routine especially during prayers . My life sucks I tell you. I basically live on drugs, I can't go out and have fun like my friends for fear of having an attack in their midst. Hell! I can't even eat what I love because of my health. I've been eating semo and salt less soups for almost six months now. Sometimes i feel like giving up but then I think of my parents especially my mom and I chose to fight harder.

Speaking of my mom she seems to be taking longer than usual. I wonder what's keeping her. If she doesn't hurry we are going to be late for the appointment. If we go late that'll mean I'ld have to be hurried through the entire process. That'll hurt a lot. I'm about to go and search for her in her bedroom when I hear her shout out to me ,

"Nne agama bia (I am coming) let me go and call Calestus to come and take us to the hospital oh? I don't have money for public transport in this Lagos today. And your father went with the car. As if he did not know we will need it". She basically yells as if I were half a mile away from her. What it is with Nigerian parents and shouting sef? We are just too loud.

"Ok mama. I'll be waiting". I yell back. Whattttt? I talk back to my reflection on our living room mirror .It's the only way she'll hear me oh. Don't judge me. Lol. I stare longer at my face. I'm pretty sha. Hah! I start doing a mental hype of myself. See as babe fine. In sickness and in health . Peep the drip nauuuuu. I stop and have a good laugh. I'm a fool at times. Lol.

I hear the kitchen door shut firmly behind her. Letting me know that she's out and I'm finally alone. I hate being alone. I get depressive thoughts when I'm by myself. I consider going for a walk but I shrug off the idea. I don't want my mom having a mental breakdown when she comes back only to find me outside. I considered taking a nap but these days my naps are uninterrupted so that means I'll have to miss the appointment. And in as much as I hate to admit, I need today's dose to stay alive . Even if it's for a while longer. I have so much to live for honestly.I was still considering my options when I heard a knock on the front door .

"Who is it?"

"Aunty Ada it's me Chidinma."  I hear my Neighbor's daughter say. As it is with most Nigerian communities , we keep a friendly relationship with our neighbors. They are like family to us. Chidinma is my baby but I'm not in the mood for her right now. She's always so full of energy and asks too many questions for a seven year old .

"Can I come and watch cartoons?" I hear her ask through the door

"No baby. Come back later" I yelled back from the couch too lazy to go to the door. I turn back to the tv.Just when I was about to concentrate on the argument between Spongebob and Patrick I hear another knock on the door

"Ohhhhhh! Chidinma it's like you want to cry this afternoon abi?. Have I not to you to go-" I stop in mid sentence, and stare wide eyed, as I realize upon opening the door that the intruder was not Chidinma but Bassey .